Australia's Best On Show
Olympians, World Champions and Commonwealth Games medallist mountain bike riders will be racing in two of Australia's most iconic destinations for the sport this weekend as part of the Subaru National Mountain Bike Series presented by Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA).
Olympians, World Champions and Commonwealth Games medallist mountain bike riders will be racing in two of Australia’s most iconic destinations for the sport this weekend as part of the Subaru National Mountain Bike Series presented by Mountain Bike Australia (MTBA).
Cross Country – Mt Stromlo, ACT
Action begins in the at Mt Stromlo in the ACT on with short track today and XCO tomorrow, with Australia’s best riders racing in the short course and olympic distance events.
In 2014 Rebecca Henderson and Dan McConnell won Australia’s first Commonwealth Games medals in mountain biking, with both riders collecting bronze medals in Glasgow.
The power-duo of Australian Cross Country mountain bike racing will be looking forward to home-track advantage this weekend when chasing series leaders Peta Mullens and Scott Bowden.
Kris Nicholls, president of Canberra Off-Road Cyclists said “We are delighted to be hosting a round of the national series at Stromlo Forest Park this weekend.
“Riders will have the opportunity to test themselves on a track used at world level and the spectators will have the visual thrill of XC bikes on the 4X track on Friday evening.”
But don’t only expect top performances to come from the likes of McConnell, with Brendan Johnston in brilliant form, along with Cameron Ivory – fresh off a great road tour in New Zealand, and a win at round 3 in Pemberton.
Andrew Blair also had a big role in course selection, and knows the trails at Stromlo inside out. Not only is he one of the countries best, but has a big ‘home course’ advantage.
While Peta Mullens will be battling that same advantage, racing Canberran Bec Henderson, she has been showing her technical prowess not just in practice, but also by winning round 1 of the MTBA Gravity Enduro series at Mt Buller this past weekend. Of course, Jenni King and Jodie Willett have spent many hours racing at Mt Stromlo, and there’s no certainty that the race for the win isn’t only between Bec and Peta.
Downhill – Thredbo, NSW
Racing in the always-thrilling Downhill will take place at Thredbo, a destination that has been a part of the Subaru National Series for over two decades, and this weekend will see some of the world’s best riders racing on one of the longest and most famous Downhill courses.
In the men’s event, Troy Brosnan (SA) will be one to watch, as he is currently ranked 2nd in the world and finished on the podium at the 2014 World Championships in Hafjell, Norway.
Brosnan, the Subaru National Series leader in the Downhill, has amazing early season form, picking up a silver medal only last weekend in the first round of the Gravity Enduro National Series.
The women’s event will see last year’s Junior World Champion Tegan Molloy in her second UCI race in the Elite discipline, hungry for her first win at the ultimate level, racing hard against series leader Sarah Booth (NSW) who took the win in the You Yangs.
“Thredbo is looking forward to hosting another round of the National Series Downhill with racing on the iconic Cannonball course”, said Stuart Diver, Resort Operations Manager.
“We have always been at the forefront of gravity riding in Australia and with new features on this year’s course, racing will be as demanding and spectacular as ever.”
“Thredbo has just started construction of new Cross-Country trails and a new All Mountain Gravity Cross-Country trail and is looking forward to hosting a full round of the Subaru National Series in 2016.”
“This weekend’s double header at Stromlo and Thredbo offers something for all mountain bikers, with two world class courses that will play to their strengths”, highlighted Russ Baker AM, President of MTBA.
“After the XCC at Stromlo on Friday, riders have the opportunity to test themselves in the XCO on Saturday on a course containing much of the 2009 World Championships course that saw Australian mountain biking come of age.”
“The sweeping downhill at Thredbo on Sunday offers one of the longest runs available for riders – and the venues are still close enough together for spectators to make an entertaining weekend at both. Some of the world’s best mountain bikers will be at both – and, yes, they’re Aussies.”
Entries remain open at the events and spectating is free at both venues. All information for both races can be found online at:www.mtb.subaru.com.au/
